We’re all all right! We’re all all right! Let’s rank That ‘70s Show seasons:
That ’70s Show is easily my favorite sitcom, and arguably my favorite show of all time. It originally aired from 1998 to 2006, capturing the everyday lives of a group of teenagers growing up in the fictional town of Point Place, Wisconsin, during the late 1970s. The series centers on Eric Forman and his close-knit circle of friends as they navigate adolescence, friendships, romance, and family life, all while reflecting the cultural trends and social attitudes of the era. Known for its humorous take on teenage experiences, the show blends witty dialogue, running gags, and nostalgic references to 1970s music, fashion, and pop culture, making it both entertaining and relatable for audiences across generations.
8th Place: Season 8
Favorite Episode: That 70’s Finale
To no one’s shock, the worst season of That ’70s Show is easily the 8th installment. I don’t necessarily think Randy is a bad character, but his replacement for Eric does the show no justice. Factor in Kelso not being involved and a weird love triangle situation with Jackie and Fez, and this season is all out of whack. Honorable mention for the 2nd best episode in this season would be “Fun It.” I did have some enjoyment regarding Fatso the Clown and all of their hijinks.
Obviously, this season will be remembered for “That ‘70s Finale” and rightfully so. This episode was done about as perfectly as you could have asked, and everything wrapped up in a way I can live with the bad of season 8 to get to a strong finish.
7th Place: Season 6
Favorite Episode: We’re Not Gonna Take It
Every season outside of season 8 is consistently rewatchable, and each would easily earn a positive rating, but 6 has the most slip-ups outside of 8. Eric and Donna’s engagement writing was a bit of a mess. I did enjoy seeing Kelso have more character growth with joining the police academy and becoming a father, but it felt like they did not know where to take his character arc. Hyde and Jackie’s relationship felt like it had more to lose than the previous season. This felt like an area where the entire group was gearing toward adulthood, so it was a nice change of pace.
It also felt like from season 6 onward, some of the 70s nostalgia was not being utilized compared to earlier seasons.
6th Place: Season 7
Favorite Episode: Can’t You Hear Me Knocking
Season 7 acts as the kids are finally growing up and have true responsibility. Eric and Donna’s relationship continues to have hardships. There is more pressure on each member, whether it is jobs or future plans, but the laughs are still evident throughout.
The gang being too high, thinking the government is onto them, in “Can’t You Hear Me Knocking” felt like an earlier season episode, as did Red and Kitty going ice fishing and having their playful back-and-forth. This episode had some of the best laughs in the entire show.
5th Place: Season 4
Favorite Episode: Eric’s Hot Cousin
Season 4 was actually the first season I ever watched. I remember getting a DVD season set for Christmas, and even though I was watching it out of order, the magic of the show took me in right away. The 4th season has some big plot developments, leading with Eric and Donna’s breakup and Jackie and Kelso’s cheating, but the charm was still there.
There are some all-time classic episodes in this season that include It’s a Wonderful Life, Eric’s Hot Cousin, and Prank Day.
4th Place: Season 1
Favorite Episode: Ski Trip
Coming in at 4th place is season 1, which started what would become an iconic show. While I still enjoy much of season 1, the overall group chemistry had not yet formed, and with many of the actors taking the stage in front of the big screen for the first time, there were awkward moments and clearly butchered scenes. The end of season 1 would come into more fruition, where it was obvious the actor’s confidence began to grow. I loved the simplicity of season 1, with a feeling that the writers were not sure where to take the show yet, but it felt very organic and truly right out of the 1970s.
Standout episodes include: The Keg, Thanksgiving, Eric’s Buddy, and Ski Trip.
3rd Place: Season 5
Favorite Episode: Mist Mountain Hop (Favorite episode)
There is so much to love about season 5. The California shenanigans, the love triangle between Kelso, Jackie, and Hyde, graduation, and Red and Kitty’s classic dynamics. This felt like the show was at its peak of popularity, so there were big promises to fill, and it delivered. Kitty going through menopause is also a storyline that felt needed to give her and Red guaranteed screentime, and anytime you have them together for a scene, it won’t disappoint.
“Misty Mountain Hop” is my all-time favorite episode. Between the Kelso and Hyde vase hijinks, to Eric and Donna’s road trip to the cabin, there are laughs throughout this entire episode.
2nd Place: Season 3
Favorite Episode: Ice Shack
Season 3 offers a strong balance of character development and comedy. Between the relationship Eric and Donna have, and the issues Kelso and Jackie have, it works great for keeping the gang together at its best. Fez also becomes more of a focal point by having more screentime and plots regarding him, and this provides many laughs.
There is nothing bad to say about season 3. Each episode has something special, whether it was Red cracking down on the gang after the marijuana incident or Donna seeing another girl’s panties in Eric’s Vista Cruiser.
“Ice Shack” and “Dine and Dash” are my two favorites from this season. One of my favorite quotes from the entire show is “Well Damn Jackie, I can’t control the Weather!” from “Ice Shack.”
1st Place: Season 2
Favorite Episode: Cat Fight Club
In my opinion, the absolute pinnacle of That ‘70s Show comes in at season 2. This felt like the moment right before everything had to become more serious and life-altering. We see Eric and Donna having strong relationship tension before actually dating. Kelso is starting to cheat and almost gets exposed many times. Hyde moves in with the Formans. Fez is trying to fit in the best he can. Red and Kitty have to balance each other out with their parenting habits. This entire season sets up all of the relationship arcs we’ve come to love, and everything plays out perfectly here.
Whether it’s Red and Kitty getting high off of special brownies, or Laurie being a mainstay in most of this season with her antics with Kelso and a professor, or a hunting trip that doesn’t stray away from laughs or heart-to-heart conversations with Eric and Red, this season truly has it all.
